Obidients mobilise for #OccupyINEC protest, insist action will go ahead

The Obidient Movement has reaffirmed plans for a nationwide #OccupyINEC protest, targeting the Independent National Electoral Commission over concerns about its conduct.

The National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, said in an interview that the group would not be deterred despite rising tension.

He, however, declined to disclose the exact date of the protest, citing fears of harassment and intimidation.

“No, we cannot reveal the date now. We also know they are planning for us. Of course, INEC is our target. This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time,” he said.

The planned protest follows recent developments involving the African Democratic Congress, where INEC announced it would no longer recognise correspondence from factions led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala amid an ongoing leadership dispute.

The decision has heightened tensions, with the Mark-led faction accusing the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu of influencing the crisis.

Call for mass action

Mr Tanko said the protest is aimed at expressing public dissatisfaction with INEC’s actions, particularly regarding opposition parties.

“The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we’ll expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally,” he stated.

He added that the movement’s demand is for authorities to act in line with democratic principles.

“All Nigerians are asking for is not a war, but for those in authority to do the right thing,” he said.

The coordinator called on civil society groups and Nigerians at large to join the protest, stressing the need to defend democratic values.

“We need to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, not individuals. That’s what we are doing,” he added.

Demands

In an earlier statement, the movement demanded the resignation of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, citing alleged loss of public trust and failure to maintain neutrality.

It also called for an end to what it described as political persecution and urged respect for party autonomy across Nigeria’s political landscape.

The planned #OccupyINEC protest signals growing public dissatisfaction with electoral governance and could intensify pressure on INEC, while also testing the space for civic engagement and protest in Nigeria’s democratic environment.